Investigation and optimization of high-valent Ta-doped SrFeO_(3-δ)as air electrode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

To explore highly active and thermomechanical stable air electrodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(ITSOFCs),10mol%Ta5+doped in the B site of strontium ferrite perovskite oxide(SrTa_(0.1)Fe_(0.9)O_(3-δ),STF)is investigated and optimized.The effects of Ta^(5+)doping on structure,transition metal reduction,oxygen nonstoichiometry,thermal expansion,and electrical performance are evaluated systematically.Via 10mol%Ta^(5+)doping,the thermal expansion coefficient(TEC)decreased from 34.1×10^(-6)(SrFeO_(3-δ))to 14.6×10^(-6) K^(-1)(STF),which is near the TEC of electrolyte(13.3×10^(-6) K^(-1) for Sm_(0.2)Ce_(0.8)O_(1.9),SDC),indicates excellent thermomechanical compatibility.At 550-750℃,STF shows superior oxygen vacancy concentrations(0.262 to 0.331),which is critical in the oxygen-reduction reaction(ORR).Oxygen temperature-programmed desorption(O_(2)-TPD)indicated the thermal reduction onset temperature of iron ion is around 420℃,which matched well with the inflection points on the thermos-gravimetric analysis and electrical conductivity curves.At 600℃,the STF electrode shows area-specific resistance(ASR)of 0.152Ω·cm^(2) and peak power density(PPD)of 749 mW·cm^(-2).ORR activity of STF was further improved by introducing 30wt%Sm_(0.2)Ce_(0.8)O_(1.9)(SDC)powder,STF+SDC composite cathode achieving outstanding ASR value of 0.115Ω·cm2 at 600℃,even comparable with benchmark cobalt-containing cathode,Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ)(BSCF).Distribution of relaxation time(DRT)analysis revealed that the oxygen surface exchange and bulk diffusion were improved by forming a composite cathode.At 650℃,STF+SDC composite cathode achieving an outstanding PPD of 1117 mW·cm^(-2).The excellent results suggest that STF and STF+SDC are promising air electrodes for IT-SOFCs.

Low cervical incision combined with video-assisted thoracoscopy for resection of a goiter extending to the posterior mediastinum:A case report and literature review

Approximately 25%of goiters extend to the substernal area,and most of them can be removed through a cervical incision.Goiters that extend into the posterior mediastinum are very rare,and resection usually requires thoracotomy.In recent years,there have been several reports of resection of substernal goiters by minimally invasive surgery.Here,we present a 75-year-old female with a giant substernal goiter who successfully underwent resection of the goiter extending to the posterior mediastinum using low cervical incision combined with video-assisted thoracoscopy.

Distributed energy storage node controller and control strategy based on energy storage cloud platform architecture

Based on the energy storage cloud platform architecture,this study considers the extensive configuration of energy storage devices and the future large-scale application of electric vehicles at the customer side to build a new mode of smart power consumption with a flexible interaction,smooth the peak/valley difference of the load side power,and improve energy efficiency.A plug and play device for customer-side energy storage and an internet-based energy storage cloud platform are developed herein to build a new intelligent power consumption mode with a flexible interaction suitable for ordinary customers.Based on the load perception of the power grid,this study aims to investigate the operating state and service life of distributed energy storage devices.By selecting an integrated optimal control scheme,this study designs a kind of energy optimization and deployment strategy for stratified partition to reduce the operating cost of the energy storage device on the client side.The effectiveness of the system and the control strategy is verified through the Suzhou client-side distributed energy storage demonstration project.

Modified McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: A retrospective study of 376 patients at a single institution

Objective:Minimally invasive esophagectomy(MIE)was first implemented in 1992 and various MIEs have been performed subsequently.The modified McKeown MIE that includes thoracoscopic and laparoscopic procedures with left neck anastomosis has been implemented in our institution since 2006.We herein report our first 5-year experience in 376 consecutive patients undergone the modified McKeown MIE for esophageal cancer to evaluate perioperative outcomes and survival.Methods:A total of 376 patients underwent a modified McKeown MIE from March 2016 toMarch 2021 at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine.Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were collected and assessed,and overall survival and disease-free survival were analyzed.Results:All procedures were completed successfully with no conversions to open surgery.The median operative time was 240 min,and the median blood loss was 100 mL.The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 29,the median number of harvested thoracic lymph nodes was 18,and of harvested abdominal nodes was 10.The 30-day mortality rate was 0.27%and complications occurred in 133(35.4%)patients.The median follow-up period was 19(1-60)months,and 244 patients completed more than 1 year of follow-up.The 1-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 79.5%and 73.8%,respectively.Conclusion:The modified McKeown MIE is safe and feasible for esophageal cancer,offering satisfactory perioperative outcomes and acceptable oncologic survival.

Effect of dexamethasone on hypothalamic expression of appetite-related genes in chickens under different diet and feeding conditions

Background： Glucocorticoids （GCs） are involved in the control of appetite in birds and mammals. The effect of GCs on feed intake in birds depends on their dietary energy level. But the regulation mechanism of GCs on appetite is still unclear in chickens facing to different energy level. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dexamethasone （DEX） on hypothalamic expression of appetite-related peptides in chickens fed high/low fat diet and under fasting/feeding condition. Results： An interaction between DEX injection and dietary energy level was found on hypothalamic corticotropin- releasing hormone （CRH） gene expression in fasted chickens （P 〈 0.05）. The chickens, given a DEX injection and a low fat diet treatment, had the highest CRH mRNA levels than any of the fasted chickens given treatments （P 〈 0.05）. Under fasting conditions, the DEX treatment significantly increased hypothalamic neuropeptide Y （NPY） and GC receptors mRNA levels （P 〈 0.05）. Under re-feeding conditions, DEX treatment significantly decreased hypothalamic expression levels of NPY and agouti-related peptide （AgRP） but significantly increased the level of hypothalamic CRH expression （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： A regulatory network formed by NPY, AgRP and CRH is associated with the appetite-control by GCs. The result suggests that the regulation of GCs on orexigenic neuropeptides expression is dependent at least partially on dietary energy level and feeding state.

A Lysozyme Concentration, pH, and Time-Dependent Isothermal Transformation Diagram Reveals Fibrous Amyloid and Non-Fibrous, Amorphous Aggregate Species

Deposition of aggregated protein is associated with many human diseases. The mechanism by which protein aggregate species cause cellular death remains unclear. A profile revealing protein aggregation products under a diverse set of conditions allows the search of novel aggregate products and potential pathogens. To achieve this end, an isothermal transformation diagram (ITD) of lysozyme aggregation was constructed. AFM, TEM, and Thioflavin T binding assays were used to analyze the aggregate species synthesized under a broad range of pH values, protein concentrations, and incubation times. Four states were found: 1) soluble protein species;2) insoluble amyloid fibers;3) insoluble amorphous aggregates;and 4) protein hydrogels. The hydrogel-a rises from aggregated amyloid fibers. This work is part of an effort to construct an array of ITDs reporting aggregation properties of many disease relevant proteins, including amyloid beta, tau, α-synuclein, and others involved in protein aggregation diseases. In addition, we propose hydrogel cyto toxicity as a potential novel mechanism in the pathogenesis of amyloid diseases.

Techniques to Quantify the Size of Protein Colloids in Amyloid Fiber Formation

A new method for the analysis of protein colloidal diameter has been developed using three existing protein concentration quantification techniques, absorption at 280 nm, colloidal gold assay, and DC protein assay. Protein colloids are formed in the process of aggregation and are thought to be intermediates in protein self-assembly and formation of amyloid fiber. Deposition of the protein fibers in tissues leads to numerous human diseases including Alzheimer’s. Lysozyme was incubated at pH 2.0, 55°C, an environment conducive to amyloid fiber formation. The protein colloids present in the supernatant of the samples after centrifugation were studied over a time course of 30 days. The OD 280 assay detects total protein concentration based on absorption of radiation in the near UV. The colloidal gold assay and DC protein assay only measure colloidal sphere surface protein concentration. Due to the surface plasmon resonance, the light absorption spectrum changes when proteins bind to colloidal gold particles. Using the measured protein concentration on the surface of protein colloids along with the total measured protein concentration in the entire protein colloidal spheres, an interior protein concentration for all colloids is obtained. The protein colloidal sphere size can be calculated by using the ratio between the interior protein concentration and total protein concentration. Results indicate that the colloidal gold assay, DC protein assay, and OD 280 assay can be used to quantify the size of the protein colloids. The colloidal gold assay and DC protein assay are both independently effective in analysis of surface protein concentration in protein colloids. The DC protein assay was found to be much quicker in data production as it only requires 15 minutes of incubation time. The DC protein assay was also more reliable than the colloidal gold assay in accuracy and precision of results.

Network security protection technology for a cloud energy storage network controller

As part of the ongoing information revolution,smart power grid technology has become a key focus area for research into power systems.Intelligent electrical appliances are now an important component of power systems,providing a smart power grid with increased control,stability,and safety.Based on the secure communication requirements of cloud energy storage systems,this paper presents the design and development of a node controller for a cloud energy storage network.The function division and system deployment processes were carried out to ensure the security of the communication network used for the cloud energy storage system.Safety protection measures were proposed according to the demands of the communication network,allowing the system to run safely and stably.Finally,the effectiveness of the system was verified through a client-side distributed energy storage demonstration project in Suzhou,China.The system was observed to operate safely and stably,demonstrating good peak-clipping and valley filling effects,and improving the system load characteristics.

“水稻制种宝”在C两优华占制种上的应用效果研究

杂交水稻的制种是一个受多方面因素影响的过程,环境因素直接影响着水稻生产的芽率、结实率、产量等。本文探讨了“水稻制种宝”不同的施用量对C两优华占有效穗、结实率、产量以及相对经济产出的影响,结果表明:1)基施“水稻制种宝”能有效的增加单位面积有效穗,在试验浓度范围内,随着施用量的增加而增加;2)基施“水稻制种宝”在一定程度上能提高制种结实率与产量,达到增产增收的目的,其中A4处理结实率最高,A3处理产量最高;3)基施“水稻制种宝”能提高相对经济产出,以A3处理的相对经济产出最高,增幅达5.28%。

Research on pre-synchronization control strategy of the micro-grid with multi-VSG

Seamless switching is an important guarantee for the inverter to work continuously without stopping when gridconnected power generation system is the transient process from grid-connected to isolated island and from isolated island reclosing. Based on the principle of pre-synchronous operation of traditional synchronous generators, this paper analyzes the principle of pre-synchronous process and its effect on the steady-state of micro grid with multiple virtual synchronous generators. At the same time, the paper analyzes the transient influence of the closed pre-synchronous switch on the power distribution of the micro grid under different phase modes. This paper proposes a pre-synchronous control strategy based on phase recognition. MATLAB/Simulink simulation software is used to verify the correctness and validity of the proposed method.

Genomic analysis of Nypa fruticans elucidates its intertidal adaptations and early palm evolution

Nypa fruticans(Wurmb),a mangrove palm species with origins dating back to the Late Cretaceous period,is a unique species for investigating long-term adaptation strategies to intertidal environments and the early evolution of palms.Here,we present a chromosome-level genome sequence and assembly for N.fruticans.We integrated the genomes of N.fruticans and other palm family members for a comparative genomic analysis,which confirmed that the common ancestor of all palms experienced a whole-genome duplication event around 89 million years ago,shaping the distinctive characteristics observed in this clade.We also inferred a low mutation rate for the N.fruticans genome,which underwent strong purifying selection and evolved slowly,thus contributing to its stability over a long evolutionary period.Moreover,ancient duplicates were preferentially retained,with critical genes having experienced positive selection,enhancing waterlogging tolerance in N.fruticans.Furthermore,we discovered that the pseudogenization of Early Methionine-labelled 1(EM1)and EM6 in N.fruticans underly its crypto-vivipary characteristics,reflecting its intertidal adaptation.Our study provides valuable genomic insights into the evolutionary history,genome stability,and adaptive evolution of the mangrove palm.Our results also shed light on the long-term adaptation of this species and contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics in the palm family.

New strategy for boosting cathodic performance of low temperature solid oxide fuel cells via chlorine doping

To enhance the performance and widespread use of solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs),addressing the low-temperature(<650℃)electrochemical performance and operational stability issues of cathode materials is crucial.Here,we propose an innovative approach to enhance oxygen ion mobility and electrochemical performance of perovskite oxide by substituting some oxygen sites with chlorine anions.The designed SrTa_(0.1)Fe_(0.9)O_(3-δ-x)Clx(x=0.05 and 0.10)exhibits improved performance compared to SrTa_(0.1)Fe_(0.9)O_(3-δ)(STF).SrTa_(0.1)Fe_(0.9)O_(2.95-δ)Cl_(0.05)(STFCl0.05)shows the lowest area-specific resistance(ASR)value on Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9(SDC)electrolyte.At 600℃,STFCl0.05 achieves an ASR value of 0.084Ω·cm^(2),and a single cell with STFCl0.05 reaches a higher peak power density(PPD)value(1143 mW·cm^(-2))than that with STF(672 mW·cm^(-2)).Additionally,besides exhibiting excellent oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)activity at lower temperatures,the STFCl0.05 cathode demonstrates good CO_(2)tolerance and operational stability.Symmetrical cell operation lasts for 150 h,and single cell operation endures for 720 h without significant performance decline.The chlorine doping approach effectively enhances ORR activity and stability,making STFCl0.05 a promising cathode material for low-temperature SOFCs.

Molecular mechanisms of adaptive evolution in wild animals and plants

Wild animals and plants have developed a variety of adaptive traits driven by adaptive evolution,an important strategy for species survival and persistence.Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of adaptive evolution is the key to understanding species diversification,phenotypic convergence,and inter-species interaction.As the genome sequences of more and more non-model organisms are becoming available,the focus of studies on molecular mechanisms of adaptive evolution has shifted from the candidate gene method to genetic mapping based on genome-wide scanning.In this study,we reviewed the latest research advances in wild animals and plants,focusing on adaptive traits,convergent evolution,and coevolution.Firstly,we focused on the adaptive evolution of morphological,behavioral,and physiological traits.Secondly,we reviewed the phenotypic convergences of life history traits and responding to environmental pressures,and the underlying molecular convergence mechanisms.Thirdly,we summarized the advances of coevolution,including the four main types:mutualism,parasitism,predation and competition.Overall,these latest advances greatly increase our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms for diverse adaptive traits and species interaction,demonstrating that the development of evolutionary biology has been greatly accelerated by multi-omics technologies.Finally,we highlighted the emerging trends and future prospects around the above three aspects of adaptive evolution.

Improving the cycle stability of FeCl3-graphite intercalation compounds by polar Fe2O3 trapping in lithium-ion batteries

FeCI3-intercalated graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) with high reversible capacity and high volumetric energy density are attractive anode material alternatives of commercial graphite. However, the rapid capacity decay, which was induced by chloride dissolution and shuttling issues, hindered their practical application. To address this problem, here, we introduce flake-like Fe2O3 species with inherently polar surface on the edge of FeCl3 -intercalated GICs through microwave-assisted transformation of a fraction of FeCl3 component. Theoretical simulations and physical/electrochemical studies demonstrate that the introduced Fe2O3 component can afford sufficient polar active sites for chemically bonding the soluble FeCl3 and LiCl species based on the polar-polar interaction mechanism, further inhibiting the outward diffusion of the chlorides and immobilizing them within the GIC material. In a lithium ion cell, the FeCl3 -intercalated GIC with a suitable Fe2O3 content shows remarkably improved cycling stability with a high reversible capacity of 1,041 mAh·g^-1 at a current density of 200 mA·g^-1. Capacity retention of 91 % is achieved at a high current density of 1,000 mA·g^-1 over 300 cycles. This work opens up the new prospect for immobilizing chlorides by introducing inorganic species in GIC for long-cycle electrochemical batteries.

Genomic Convergence in the Adaptation to Extreme Environments

Convergent evolution is especially common in plants that have independently adapted to the same extreme environments(i.e.,extremophile plants).The recent burst of omics data has alleviated many limitations that have hampered molecular convergence studies of non-model extremophile plants.In this review,we summarize cases of genomic convergence in these taxa to examine the extent and type of genomic convergence during the process of adaptation to extreme environments.Despite being well studied by candidate gene approaches,convergent evolution at individual sites is rare and often has a high false-positive rate when assessed in whole genomes.By contrast,genomic convergence at higher genetic levels has been detected during adaptation to the same extreme environments.Examples include the convergence of biological pathways and changes in gene expression,gene copy number,amino acid usage,and GC content.Higher convergence levels play important roles in the adaptive evolution of extremophiles and may be more frequent and involve more genes.In several cases,multiple types of convergence events have been found to co-occur.However,empirical and theoretical studies of this higher level convergent evolution are still limited.In conclusion,both the development of powerful approaches and the detection of convergence at various genetic levels are needed to further reveal the genetic mechanisms of plant adaptation to extreme environments.